Key Points

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has approved a new caste survey, stating the previous census contained inaccuracies. He emphasized that the survey must proceed as directed by the court, despite potential objections. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the government's commitment to completing the survey by October 7, covering approximately 1.80 crore families. The administration maintains this exercise aims to gather socio-economic data rather than divide society.

Key Points: DK Shivakumar Approves New Karnataka Caste Survey Citing Inaccuracies

  • Deputy CM cites court direction supporting the necessity of conducting caste survey
  • Government aims to complete survey of 1.80 crore families by October 7
  • Exercise designed to collect vital socio-economic and educational data
  • CM Siddaramaiah clarifies survey won't divide society despite BJP objections
2 min read

Previous census was not accurate...: Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar on approving caste survey

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar defends new caste census, stating previous data was inaccurate. Survey of 1.80 crore families aims to gather socio-economic data.

"The previous census was not accurate, which is why I have allowed a new one - DK Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, October 5

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said that the earlier caste census was not accurate, which is why the state government has approved a new survey.

He added that while objections may arise, the caste census must be conducted as also directed by the court.

Speaking to the reporters, DK Shivakumar said, "Anyone may express objections to the caste census. However, this survey needs to be conducted. Even the court has said so... There is no meaning in opposing the survey."

"The previous census was not accurate, which is why I have allowed a new one... Regarding the extension of the survey, I am unable to comment on that. I have no connection with that decision. It's up to the department and the commission to decide," Shivakumar said.

Earlier, on October 3, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his government's commitment to completing the ongoing caste census and stated that the survey work would likely be completed by October 7.

"A survey of 3 crore people from about 80 lakh houses has already been completed in the state and it is hoped that the survey work will be completed by October 7. A survey of 1.80 crore families' needs to be conducted," he said while speaking to the media.

He clarified that the exercise is not meant to divide society but to gather vital socio-economic data. "An economic, social and educational survey is being conducted in Karnataka, to obtain information about the condition of the people. Castes like Brahmin, Christian, etc. were mentioned in the Kantharaj report. If people voluntarily enter their caste, the government will not be responsible for it," he said.

"But the Commission has removed these castes from the list. Therefore, the Commission will get information about the caste that people voluntarily declare. There is no question of dividing caste in this. The BJP is misleading people for political purposes," the Chief Minister asserted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
I hope this survey actually helps the marginalized communities. Too often these exercises become political tools. Let's see if the data is used properly for development work.
M
Michael C
As someone working in data analytics, I appreciate the government's effort to get accurate data. However, the implementation needs to be flawless to avoid the same mistakes as last time.
S
Shreya B
Why spend crores on another survey? The money could be used for actual development work. This feels like political drama before elections 🎭
A
Arjun K
Accurate data is crucial for social justice. Many communities have been underrepresented for decades. Hope this brings real change to Karnataka's development approach 🙏
N
Nisha Z
The CM's clarification that this is for socio-economic data and not to divide society is important. People should understand the real purpose behind this survey.
K
Karthik V
Surveying 3 crore people by October 7? That seems like a very ambitious timeline. Hope they don't compromise on data quality for speed.

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